What is Post-traumatic stress disorder? PTSD symptoms occur as part of a multi-part process in response to a traumatic event. This is described as exposure to an event that is traumatic in nature, in which the individual feels hopelessness, fear, or horror. Afterward, victims re-experience the event through memories, flashbacks, or nightmares which lead to a disruption of their daily lives. Many people associate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms with veterans who have had combat experience. However, any traumatic event can trigger this disorder.
PTSD causes can be many, but always relate to personally traumatic experiences. This can develop into a disorder that disrupts daily living, however not everyone who experiences a personally distressful event will develop a problem. If you have a higher propensity for anxiety, stress, or have little to no social support, you are more likely to develop symptoms after a harrowing experience.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms:
Effects and symptoms can be felt very soon after a traumatic event, but they also may not happen until months later. Some of the most common symptoms are listed below. People with PTSD symptoms may experience some or all of these.
- Flashbacks of the event – Memories of the traumatic experience can occur at any time. These memories will sometimes make individuals feel as though they are experiencing the event all over again. This is known as a PTSD flashback.
- Avoiding situations that remind of the event. – It is common for victims of a traumatic event to avoid situations they feel might trigger memories of their experience.
- Feeling numb – Individuals with PTSD often have trouble expressing their feelings, or accessing their emotions. This could be seen as a coping mechanism to avoid recall of the traumatic event altogether.
- Emotional arousal –Individuals will have feelings of over-excitement, leading them to be overly alert for signs of danger. This can lead to heightened irritability, trouble falling/staying asleep, and issues with concentration.
What to do about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:
There is sometimes a wish that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms will diminish without any PTSD treatment. Modern research has shown that feelings of fear at the time memories are produced causes intensified recall. This means that each time a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder flashback occurs, the memory becomes reinforced and even more difficult to forget or move beyond. You or your loved one may need help.
You can start by doing a local search to see if there are active programs or groups working with PTSD, in your area. Here at Solutions, in Santa Fe, we offer a variety of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment techniques that help individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder get the help they need. Our highly qualified treatment team uses such modalities as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), group therapy, and individual therapy. These treatments get at the root of the underlying pain and past traumas and ultimately aim at healing the individual from inside out. Learn to live a life without Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms today by calling Solutions Treatment Center at 1-877-499-1354.